Science activities for the busy teacher.
This blog will be participating in the A to Z challenge for April 2016. Posts are abbreviated for visitors. Pertinent links for more in-depth information are provided. Warning to non-teachers, comments will get very honest answers concerning anything unsafe to do in a classroom. Teachers would not take it personal. Neither should you. Safety is first.

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Sunday, April 24, 2016

Umbrella Species

An umbrella species is one in which their protection enables other species to be protected.

The world is full of ironies. One of them is that some of the most adamant protectors of the natural world are hunters and sport fishermen. Degrade the environment and their hobby becomes non-existent. Many hunters spend more time watching wildlife. The strongest wildlife preservation organizations in Georgia are those concerned with hunting.

Native bamboo such as Arundianaria gigantea (River or Giant Cane), Arundianaria tecta (switch cane), Arundianaria appalachiana (hill cane) used to form thickets that allowed many species to thrive. Work has been done to re-establish these in Panola Mountain State Park and Riverbend WMA in Laurens County. Grassland birds and butterflies as well as the notorious Canebrake rattlesnake will be provided more habitat.

Safety Always

These activities are chosen and designed to be safe. The nature of an accident is it is not planned. Water is a very safe substance. Spill water on the floor, someone can slip and fall. The greatest safety rule is to Think before you Do.

I taught science for over 30 years. I had a few accidents in the classroom. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. Purchasing a set of safety glasses at the dollar store is a good investment. I know parents, schools, etc shouldn't ask you to buy such. Life is all too real. If someone got hurt, you would have immense guilt.

Know your audience. There is a balance between a math teacher too afraid to let a group of students use a compass because it has a sharp point and the free for all approach some teachers use.

I've got a safety contract that I used in the classroom. Feel free to use it. The shorter and clearer the rule, the more compliance you will get. If you have that child or parent that you have to think like a Philadelphia lawyer around, realize it is an opportunity to deliver your instruction more clearly and safely.

I will post any warnings or cautions that I can think when making the posts. However, I cannot be responsible for what happens in your classroom or home. Use any of these activities at your own risk.